Firefighter struggling with mobility due to oversized gear.

Firefighter Mobility: How Gear Size Impacts Safety

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A look at how ill-fitting boots and SCBA cylinders can compromise a firefighter's agility and increase the risk of injury."

Firefighters face countless dangers, navigating confined spaces and unstable environments where every movement counts. Their personal protective equipment (PPE) is their lifeline, designed to shield them from burns, toxic gases, and physical trauma. However, bulky or poorly fitted gear can inadvertently hinder their agility, leading to falls and injuries.

Recent studies highlight a concerning link between standard-issue firefighting gear and mobility restrictions. Fire boots with fixed heights and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders designed with limited sizing options may compromise a firefighter's range of motion, impacting their ability to perform critical tasks.

This article explores how the size of fire boots and SCBA cylinders affects firefighter mobility, drawing on research that combines biomechanical testing with anthropometric data. It aims to shed light on potential design flaws and inspire improvements that can enhance firefighter safety and performance.

The Hidden Risks of Fixed-Size Fire Boots and SCBA Cylinders

Firefighter struggling with mobility due to oversized gear.

Researchers conducted biomechanical tests with 21 firefighters, focusing on the correlation between boot height, SCBA cylinder size and lower body mobility. The findings revealed a significant connection between boot height and mobility, demonstrating that the fixed boot height mandated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 standard can decrease lower body range of motion during job-related tasks.

Statistical analysis of extensive anthropometric data further supported these concerns. It showed that a fixed boot height cannot accommodate the wide range of leg lengths present among firefighters. This suggests that shorter firefighters are more likely to experience limited lower body mobility due to reduced clearance between the knee and the top of the boot.

Decreased space causes greater mechanical binding between multiple layers of turnout pants.
The study revealed a greater negative impact of fixed length SCBA cylinders on shorter firefighters' upper body mobility.
This was evidenced by a limited range of motion in neck extension and lumbopelvic flexion while carrying fire gear.

The combination of restricted movement and cumbersome gear can significantly increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, such as lower back pain, trips, slips, and falls. These injuries not only lead to lost work time but also increase medical costs. The study underscores the importance of personalized gear design that considers the unique anthropometry of each firefighter.

Toward Safer Firefighting Gear

The study's findings highlight the critical need for innovative solutions in firefighting gear design. By recognizing the impact of gear size and fit on firefighter mobility, manufacturers can develop more personalized and ergonomic equipment. This includes offering a wider range of boot heights and SCBA cylinder sizes to accommodate the diverse anthropometry of the firefighting workforce. Ultimately, these improvements will contribute to a safer and more effective environment for those who risk their lives to protect our communities.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

How do ill-fitting fire boots impact a firefighter's mobility?

Ill-fitting fire boots, particularly those with a fixed height as mandated by the NFPA 1971 standard, can significantly reduce a firefighter's lower body range of motion. This can lead to decreased clearance between the knee and the top of the boot, causing greater mechanical binding between multiple layers of turnout pants. Biomechanical tests and anthropometric data analysis both support this, indicating that shorter firefighters are particularly vulnerable to these mobility restrictions. This reduced mobility can hinder their ability to perform critical tasks, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.

What role do SCBA cylinders play in restricting a firefighter's movement?

SCBA cylinders, especially those with limited sizing options, can also compromise a firefighter's mobility. Studies show that fixed-length SCBA cylinders have a negative impact on shorter firefighters' upper body mobility. This includes a limited range of motion in neck extension and lumbopelvic flexion while carrying fire gear. This restriction stems from the size and placement of the cylinders relative to the firefighter's body, which can impede movement, especially in confined spaces. Consequently, this can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, such as lower back pain.

Why is it crucial to consider individual body measurements when designing firefighting gear?

Considering individual body measurements, or anthropometry, is crucial because firefighters come in various shapes and sizes. Fixed-size gear, such as fire boots and SCBA cylinders, cannot accommodate this diversity. Research shows that a fixed boot height cannot cater to the wide range of leg lengths among firefighters. This leads to mobility issues for those whose proportions don't align with the standard gear sizes. Similarly, the limited sizing options of SCBA cylinders can negatively affect upper body mobility. Personalized gear design can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.

What are the potential consequences of using bulky or poorly fitted firefighting gear?

Using bulky or poorly fitted firefighting gear can have several serious consequences. It can lead to decreased mobility, affecting the ability to perform critical tasks such as navigating confined spaces or reacting swiftly in emergencies. This reduced agility can result in an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries, including lower back pain, trips, slips, and falls. These injuries can result in lost work time, higher medical costs, and can significantly compromise the firefighter's safety and effectiveness on the job.

How can improvements in firefighting gear design enhance firefighter safety?

Improvements in firefighting gear design can significantly enhance firefighter safety by addressing the issues of mobility restrictions. Manufacturers can develop more personalized and ergonomic equipment. This includes offering a wider range of boot heights and SCBA cylinder sizes to accommodate the diverse anthropometry of the firefighting workforce. By ensuring a better fit, this reduces the mechanical binding caused by fixed-size gear. This allows firefighters to move more freely and safely, minimizing the risk of injuries and enabling them to perform their duties more effectively. Furthermore, these improvements would contribute to a safer and more effective environment for those who risk their lives to protect our communities.